Two years ago, Kait Parker swept into West Palm Beach like a big bold front from the West, rising through the ranks at WPTV to become primary fill-in for chief meteorologist Steve Weagle.

“I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better community to come into,” says Parker, who previously worked for a station in Montgomery, Alabama. “I feel like I’ve clicked with everyone really quickly.”

When she’s not on the air, Parker emcees an array of charity events, talks to schoolchildren about weather and teaches college-level meteorology and climate classes online.

“I was raised by a teacher and a firefighter, so anything having to do with [those disciplines], I’m totally involved,” says Parker, a Texas native. “And any event that involves putting a pie in my face or sitting me in a dunk tank, I say, ‘If this is raising money, then let’s do it.’”

South Florida sunshine appeals to the outdoorsy Parker, who kayaks, jogs and plays with her dog, Bruce, in her spare time. This spring, she’ll be the official meteorologist for Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter.